Environment
Environment
Washington State Steps In To Regulate Water Temps Behind Federal Dams To Help Salmon
Water temperatures are expected to increase as the climate warms. Rivers saw a glimpse of what the future could hold five summers ago, when low water flows and hot temperatures killed thousands of salmon. Continue Reading Washington State Steps In To Regulate Water Temps Behind Federal Dams To Help Salmon
Big Study Finds Small Territory Usage For Washington’s Medium-Sized Wild Lynx
In a study recently published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, WSU scientists found that lynx only occupy about 20% of potential habitat in Washington. Continue Reading Big Study Finds Small Territory Usage For Washington’s Medium-Sized Wild Lynx
Pandemic Shutdown Is Speeding Up The Collapse Of Coal
Coal use has plummeted in part because it’s more expensive than natural gas or renewable energy. Mines are shutting down, and some power plants may run out of places to stockpile coal. Continue Reading Pandemic Shutdown Is Speeding Up The Collapse Of Coal
Fire Camp Germ Spread Is Dicey In Normal Times. COVID-19 Could Rip Through Crews This Season
This year, fire camp could be as dangerous as the wildfires, and top Western managers are deep in planning how to make fire camps COVID-19 ready for fire crews. Hilary Franz is Washington’s commissioner of public lands. She says state, federal, tribal and local officials are trying to make fighting wildfires safe during a pandemic. Continue Reading Fire Camp Germ Spread Is Dicey In Normal Times. COVID-19 Could Rip Through Crews This Season
10 Years After BP Deepwater Horizon Spill: Oil Drilled Deeper; Rules Relaxed
Ten years after an oil rig explosion killed 11 workers and unleashed an environmental nightmare in the Gulf of Mexico, companies are drilling in deeper and deeper waters, where payoffs can be huge but risks are greater than ever. Continue Reading 10 Years After BP Deepwater Horizon Spill: Oil Drilled Deeper; Rules Relaxed
Water, Water (Most) Everywhere, As Northwest Snowpack Is Good. But Some Areas Are Low
For much of the Northwest, snowpack is above normal. That’s a good sign this time of year, when snowpack usually reaches its peak. Having enough snowpack is critical for spring and summer runoff that will supply water for irrigation and salmon runs. But that doesn’t mean everywhere has that much snow. Continue Reading Water, Water (Most) Everywhere, As Northwest Snowpack Is Good. But Some Areas Are Low
As Many People Stay Home, Will The Environment Improve — At Least Temporarily?
Will the current lull in activity make a difference in the air we breathe or the future of climate change? Continue Reading As Many People Stay Home, Will The Environment Improve — At Least Temporarily?
Washington And Oregon Close State Parks Over…Well, You Know By Now
You’ll have to put off your favorite hike on Washington public lands for at least two weeks. State-managed parks and wildlife areas are closing starting Wednesday, March 25. Continue Reading Washington And Oregon Close State Parks Over…Well, You Know By Now
Meetings On Future Of Snake River Dams Now Teleconferences: Here’s How To Access
If you want to attend public hearings on the federal government’s plan to manage the Columbia and Snake River dams, you’ll have to do it by phone. The previously scheduled in-person meetings are now teleconferences. Continue Reading Meetings On Future Of Snake River Dams Now Teleconferences: Here’s How To Access
Washington Lawmakers Stop Short Of Banning Pesticide Linked To Neurological Problems
Washington regulators must soon consider rules to limit the use of a controversial pesticide that can cause neurological and health problems, especially in young children. A bill passed by state lawmakers this session didn’t outright ban the pesticide, as health and farmworker activists had proposed. Continue Reading Washington Lawmakers Stop Short Of Banning Pesticide Linked To Neurological Problems
The Mountain Wildflowers Are Out (Earlier): How Climate Change May Affect Tourist Season At Rainier
The wildflower season at Mount Rainier National Park was short in 2015. Some of the lupines stopped flowering and didn’t make seeds like they normally do. The shorter season also meant fewer people saw peak blooms. A new study looks at how winter changes may affect tourist season at Washington’s iconic park. Continue Reading The Mountain Wildflowers Are Out (Earlier): How Climate Change May Affect Tourist Season At Rainier
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown Promises Executive Action On Climate After GOP Legislative Walkout
For the second year in a row, Democrats’ signature bill for instituting a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was stymied by a Republican walkout. Now, the focus falls on Gov. Kate Brown. Continue Reading Oregon Gov. Kate Brown Promises Executive Action On Climate After GOP Legislative Walkout
